Qurbani on behalf of wife and children

Answer

Zakat is compulsory upon a person who possesses the quantum of nisab (i.e. 612.35 grams of silver or 87.47 grams of gold or currency, wealth equivalent to that amount) for a complete lunar year; which is over and above his basic needs and also free from debts. (Raddul Muhtar p.71 v.3) Moreover, zakat is only payable on that wealth, which is made up of gold, silver and goods, brought with the intention of re – selling.

On the other hand qurbani is obligatory on such items (which is not made up of gold, silver and goods, brought with the intention of re – selling) although brought with the intention of personal use, if they are over the quantum of nisab and above ones basic needs and necessities. (For example, extra furniture or extra mobile phones, if the value of such items reaches the nisab amount) Similarly, for this amount to remain in ones possession for an entire year is not necessary.

Women generally possess jewellery in excess of the aforementioned amount, thus they should ensure that their qurbani is made. However, a child who has not reached the age of puberty is exempt from giving qurbani. (Raddul Muhtar p.71 v.3; Fatawa Hindiyyah p.297 v.5 & Hidayah p.448 v.4)

Keeping the aforementioned discussion in mind we can derive that:

Qurbani is not obligatory on a child who has not reached the age of puberty even though they may have money equivalent to or above the quantum of nisab in their savings.

It is a duty on your wife that she ensures that her qurbani is made. However, if your wife gives you direct or an indirect permission known in Arabic as dalalatan, then it will be permissible for you to do her qurbani. (Imdadul Fatawa p.610 v.3)